When Alex Morgan first broke in with the U.S. women's national team, she earned the nickname "Baby Horse" for her energy and running style. As she prepares for her fourth Women's World Cup, she's not just alive and kicking; she remains one of the USWNT's most significant players.
Morgan retains plenty of mobility as well as a nose for goal. This is evidenced by the fact that she led the NWSL in scoring last season with 15 goals in 17 games. In fact, she's been so effective that players such as Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Lynn Williams, who play central positions at club level, are shunted to the wing. If the U.S. claims its third straight World Cup title, Morgan will be at the center of the action.
9. Alexandra Popp
Alexandra Popp, pictured on July 27, 2022 Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Seven-time Frauen Bundesliga winner, Champions League winner, Euro runner-up, and Olympic gold medalist, Alexandra Popp's trophy cabinet runneth over. A key player for both club and country, captaining both, Popp is heading into the World Cup off another impressive season. Poppachieved the German domestic double and led Wolfsburg to another Champions League final, only to lose to Barcelona.
A force in attack but comfortable further back in midfield, Popp's experience will be as significant as her goals for a young Germany team this summer. A player who's more than happy to put her body on the line and throw herself into challenges, you can expect her to score plenty of headers or endure her share of collisions trying.
8. Keira Walsh
Country: England
Age: 26 Club: Barcelona Position: Defensive midfielder
England has been ravaged by injuries to key players heading into the World Cup. Captain Leah Williamson and forward Beth Mead both missed the tournament with serious knee injuries. But while the absence of the two Euro 2022 winners is a significant blow for coach Sarina Wiegman, the one player the Lionesses really couldn't afford to lose was Keira Walsh, and luckily she'll be at the tournament leading the way.
The Barcelona midfielder is the glue holding the England side together—a defensive anchor—but she is also capable of moments of creativity, as with the pass from which Ella Toone scored the winning goal in the 2022 Euros final against Germany. Walsh is at the peak of her career, and her form and fitness will be crucial for England.
Still just 21, combative and intelligent midfielder Lena Oberdorf has been a mainstay of the national team since locking down her place in 2019. Although playing a slightly more attacking role for her club, Wolfsburg, the midfielder who earned plaudits for her displays during the 2022 Euros is much more of a disruptor for Germany, snuffing out opposition attacks before they happen.
Strong both on the ground and in the air, Oberdorf's understanding of the game surpasses her years. Her ability to see attacks unfold ensures a near-watertight German midfield.
One of the brightest sparks in European women's football, Ada Hegerberg's past three years have been punctuated by injury. Beforethat, there was a five-year feud with her federation over conditions for the women's national team, which left her refusing to represent her country. However, since her return to the Norway team ahead of the 2022 Euros, there has been a renewed sense of excitement about what the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner can add.
A determined and physically powerful attacker, Hegerberg doesn't need anything more than a smart ball into the box to cause all sorts of trouble. In a Norway team that should be able to shine in attack, she could once again end up being the jewel in the crown for the Football Girls.
5. Caroline Graham Hansen
Country: Norway
Age: 28 Club: Barcelona Position: Striker/Right wing
One of the big mysteries at Barcelona is why Caroline Graham Hansen never appears on the individual award shortlists. Five Barca players made the Ballon d'Or top 20 this year, yet the Norwegian winger was not there. Ask any Barca player, though, and they will tell you she is among the top 10 players in the world at the very least.
Her speed, direction change, and decision-making have turned some of the game's most impressive left-backs inside out. Her ability to create for her teammates has also been complemented by important goals over the past 12 months. Her relationship with Ada Hegerberg will be key to Norway's World Cup hopes.
4. Alexia Putellas
Country: Spain
Age: 29 Club: Barcelona Position: Central playmaking midfielder
Alexia Putellas steps into the World Cup as the back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner but with uncertainty over how big her impact will be at the tournament. The midfielder tore her ACL last summer, missing the European Championships with Spain and most of the club season with Barcelona.
She returned for the last six matches of the season, appearing in the Champions League final. She scored in her first Spain start in a year against Panama recently. However, she has still not completed 90 minutes in a single game. It is unclear if she is ready to compete at the top level yet. If she is ready, Spain will benefit from her goals, link-up play and leadership, which are world-class.
3. Sophia Smith
Country: USA
Age: 22 Club: Portland Thorns Position: Left wing/striker
Leading a generational shift within the U.S. women's national team is Sophia Smith, the young forward who will likely score the bulk of the USWNT's goals. As a striker in club play and primarily a winger for the U.S., Smith's strength is her confidence and the audacity to attemptgoals. She's not afraid to take on defenders, and she's emerged as a ruthlessly incisive finisher as she comes into form for this World Cup. As she heads to New Zealand, she puts an end to a club season where she is the NWSL's Golden Boot leader with 10 goals in 13 games.
The injuries to U.S. attackers Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario only put more pressure on Smith to step up and take on the goal-scoring burden, but her recent form suggests she's more than ready for it. Whenever Smith is on the ball, it is a must-see.
2. Aitana Bonmati
Country: Spain
Age: 25 Club: Barcelona Position: Central midfield
In the absence of Alexia Putellas, who spent much of the past year sidelined with injury, Aitana Bonmati has taken the plaudits this past season. This is as Barcelona won the Champions League for the second time in their history. Bonmati was named the tournament's most valuable player by UEFA. He played a key role in setting up the second goal in the comeback win against Wolfsburg in the final.
A versatile midfielder, she told ESPN she felt more comfortable playing further forward. This is where she can better influence the game and contribute with goals and assists. In terms of her style, she is perhaps the most effective representation in the women's game of the typical midfielder you associate with successful Barca and Spain sides: terrific technique, wonderful touch, and an ability to play in tight spaces.
1. Sam Kerr
Country: Australia
Age: 29 Club: Chelsea Position: Striker
Sam Kerr is a big-game player. The more expansive the stage, the more inevitable she becomes.
It's a skill she's honed over the years. During her past three seasons, Chelsea fans have reaped the rewards of her innate love for the grandest stages. Her goals in the FA Cup finals and on the final day of the season are legends. But now on home soil for the 2023 Women's World Cup, it feels like it's Australia's turn to be treated to a Sam Kerr show unlike any they've seen before.
Fans, haters, and neutrals alike will be treated to her killer instincts in front of goal. She will also know when to lead and when to assist, supported by one of themost impressive Matildas' attacking lines in history, and in front of an adoring home crowd. This is Kerr's time. Enjoy the show.
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